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Therapy Approaches for Trauma

Treatment Approaches

TICTI’s research-supported trauma-informed phase model treatment approach is featured in its publications, training programs, and clinical practice. Within this treatment approach, trauma resolution is a late-stage intervention, only introduced once the client has been well prepared (in terms of understanding, motivation, stability, and coping skills) and is likely to be successful.  Learn more.

Within the phase model treatment approach, any good trauma resolution method can be used. However, we most highly recommend (and teach) EMDR, which has been found to be the most efficient of the research-supported trauma resolution methods, for adults as well as children. We also recommend (and teach) PC, which is based on existing proven-effective methods, has a growing research base, and appears to be at least as effective and well-tolerated as EMDR, while being more efficient.  Learn more.

EMDR is a specialized procedure for resolving trauma or loss memories. Briefly, it involves having the client concentrate on the worst moment of the memory while visually following the therapist’s moving fingers; this is repeated with different aspects of the memory until no further distress remains. EMDR is now one of the most well-researched psychotherapy treatments for trauma and (in a recent meta-analysis) has been found to be the most efficient of the well-established trauma treatments.  Learn more.

PC

Progressive counting (PC) is a recently developed trauma treatment, based on the counting method, that is already supported by several published studies. As per the research and clinical experience to date, PC appears to be well tolerated by clients, about as effective as EMDR, more efficient, and relatively easy for therapists to learn. Briefly, PC involves having the client visualize a series of progressively longer “movies” of the trauma memory while the therapist counts out loud (first to a count of 10, then 20, then 30, etc.).  Learn more.

The Flash technique is a recently developed therapy procedure that involves having the client at least partially resolve a traumatic memory without consciously engaging it.  Learn more.

This page outlines some of the leading research-supported strategies for improving and maintaining physiological self-regulation. These activities can be helpful for anyone, and in particular can be helpful for those who are experiencing extra emotion around their trauma-focused therapy.  Learn more.

For motor vehicle accident trauma. The purpose of this study is to compare the leading trauma treatment, Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), to a newer treatment, Progressive Counting (PC), which has been found to be efficient and effective. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either EMDR or PC treatment focused on their memory of a motor vehicle accident.  Learn more.

This page contains a searchable listing of therapists trained by TICTI.  Learn more.

Where to Next?

The institute provides therapy, training, consultation, information, and resources for those who work with trauma-exposed children, adolescents, and adults. Where would you like to go next?